Brooker ready for Aviva Premiership return

18 July 2013 16:00pm

By Tom Parsons

Summer signing Chris Brooker has targeted the opening league clash with Leicester Tigers to make his Warriors debut and first Aviva Premiership appearance since suffering a career-threatening injury in February 2012.

The hooker was on the verge of making his full international debut less than 18 months ago when he was called-up to England's 2012 RBS Six Nations squad.

But after injuring his knee playing for Harlequins he has instead been forced to watch from the side-lines as he battled back to fitness.

The 27-year-old arrived at Sixways for pre-season training last month and has been put through his paces by Director of Rugby Dean Ryan and the new-look coaching team.

And Brooker admits he is pleased by the start he has made at Warriors. He said: "I've been gradually building myself up because of my knee. But I've been doing contact and scrummaging so I'm doing pretty much everything now.

"The injury is good. It's just about getting used to it again. I'll be ready for the first game of the season and there isn't a better time to face Leicester Tigers."

Brooker may experience his first taste of the Friday night lights at Sixways just weeks into the season when Harlequins visit in mid-September.

And he admits he is excited about the prospect of facing his former club so early into his Warriors career.

He continued: "Because I haven't played here yet I haven't experienced what it's like in the changing room before matches and it will be interesting to face Harlequins.

"I obviously know most of their players and it will be a bit of a dog-fight. It will be a battle and a good test. Warriors have been unlucky against Harlequins in the past but there are new coaching staff and a different emphasis on games now so I can't wait."

If the last 18 months have seen their fair share of lows for Brooker, they have not been without their highs and the forward has found solace thanks to the online clothing company he created.

Along with his girlfriend, who has a masters in Fashion Styling, Brooker designs t-shirts and sells them via his Ice Issa website.

He explained: "It's only been going for the last five months. It's more about having something to do outside of rugby and getting your head away from the game and it's going well.

"A lot of players have bought t-shirts. They're aimed at absolutely everyone and it would be great to see a few fans wearing them at Sixways this season."